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Origin of rectal electric waves: further study.
1Department of Surgery and Experimental Research, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt.
Diseases of the Colon and Rectum
|December 29, 1999
Summary
Rectal electric waves transmit through muscle, not nerves, as shown by denervation and drug studies in dogs. This finding aids understanding of rectal dysmotility and defecation disorders.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Neurogastroenterology
- Physiology
Background:
- The rectum exhibits electrical activity, including pacesetter and action potentials.
- Previous research suggested a rectosigmoid pacemaker, not extrinsic innervation, triggers rectal waves.
- The transmission pathway of these electrical signals within the rectal wall was undetermined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission pathway of electrical signals in the rectal wall.
- To determine if rectal electric waves are transmitted through muscle bundles or the enteric nerve plexus.
- To evaluate the role of autonomic innervation in rectal electrical activity.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen dogs underwent abdominal surgery under anesthesia.
- Rectal electrical activity and pressure were recorded using serosal electrodes.
- Rectal denervation was performed via bilateral pelvic ganglionectomy.
- The effects of adrenergic, cholinergic blockers, and a smooth muscle relaxant were assessed.
Main Results:
- Pelvic ganglionectomy led to decreased rectal pressure and irregular rectal electrical activity (rectoarrhythmia).
- Adrenergic and cholinergic blockade did not alter the arrhythmic pattern.
- Administration of drotaverine abolished the rectoarrhythmia.
Conclusions:
- Rectal electric waves are likely transmitted through rectal muscle bundles, not the enteric nerve plexus.
- This finding has implications for developing pharmacotherapies for rectal dysmotilities.
- Understanding the electrical conduction pathway is crucial for treating defecation disorders.